Three faculty members were honored recently during the NAACP's national convention in Los Angeles for their inspiring work against the spread of HIV/AIDS.

During a luncheon at the J.W. Marriott Los Angeles last month, the trio received the organization's Unsung Hero Award for their efforts to eradicate HIV/AIDS. The luncheon's theme: "30 Years in the Fight Against HIV/AIDS."

Ms. Davis, who worked in the HIV/AIDS arena for more than 27 years. She was responsible for developing the first HIV mobile testing program in Los Angeles County and continues to be involved in local HIV/AIDS-related research and service projects. She teaches in the College of Health and Science.

Dr. Nina T. Harawa, who teaches and conducts research at the university, has focused her efforts on HIV/AIDS and how the virus has affected African Americans, in particular.

Charles McWells (see video below), who says he has been diagnosed with AIDS, is a member of the University's community faculty. He also is the chairperson for HIV/AIDS Ministry at Grace United Methodist Church.

In a letter, Shavon Arline, the organization's National Health Director said: "As the rates of HIV increase in the black community, we need warriors like you to aid organizations like the NAACP to eliminate stigma that surrounds HIV/AIDS..."

Her passing brought together many current and former employees from the University, as well as a large number of staff that once worked at Martin Luther King, Jr. General Hospital.

"It was a great tribute for a great human being," said Gus Gill, M.D., senior adviser to the president, after the funeral at Ward A.M.E. Church in Los Angeles. Dr. Gill had known her for more than three decades.

Mrs. Mobley's was not the only funeral that day for the CDU community, however. Mrs. Joy Ransom, wife of 12 years to Michael Ransom Jr., a CDU staff member and mother of three children was put to rest last Friday. The father of another CDU staff member, Johnny Watson, also was held that day.

After Mrs. Mobley's funeral, the University sponsored a repast at the Watts Labor Community Action Committee. There were many tributes. "She was a part of the Charles Drew family," said Mervyn Dymally, director of the Urban Health Institute at CDU, and a political legend.

Daphne Calmes, M.D. said the services held for Mrs. Mobley were touching. "It was one of the best celebrations of one's life that anyone could ever hope for," said Dr. Calmes, the associate dean, College of Medicine. "Everyone spoke of the many wonderful characteristics she had, as someone who always gave encouragement and support in many ways to many people regardless of who they were."

She added, "There are very few people who could fill her shoes. Her greatest contribution was the love that she had for everyone, and particularly the love she had for not only her community but the love she showed everyone." Her love for others reflected her religious beliefs, Dr. Calmes said. "She epitomized activism."

Photograph Published in the Los Angeles Sentinel

By Laurell L. Black

Laurell L. Black captured a historical image last week on the University's campus. But little did he know that the photograph would be published in the Los Angeles Sentinel.

He shot an picture of Dave Martin III, lead public safety officer, lowering the school's flag to half-staff upon news of Mrs. Lillian Mobley's passing. The photograph was published on the University's website.

Mr. Black, a staff member in the College of Science and Health who has shared his photography skills to document events on campus, including for News at Drew, said he was pleasantly surprised to learn the newspaper published the picture.

"I was initially surprised, and remain honored to have my work published on the front page of such a renowned newspaper, especially as it expresses the deserved respect that Mrs. Mobley has at this institution and within the greater community," Mr. Black said.

"I would be remiss if I did not thank Dr. Gail Orum for allowing me the opportunity to serve the university in this capacity," he said about the dean of the College of Science and Health. "Teamwork lets us all shine."

Training is Expected to Lead to Faculty Learning Community

Darlene Parker-Kelly recently received her certificate as a facilitator of Faculty Learning Communities.

The 12th Annual Faculty Learning Community Developers' and Facilitators Summer Institute was held at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, where she attended sessions from June 22 through June 25.

Mrs. Parker-Kelly, director of the University's Health Sciences Library, was one of 68 participants from the U.S. and Canada to receive the distinction. The training helps establish connections across academic disciplines, raising interest in learning, retention and academic development. This supports faculty's ability to attempt, assess and adopt new methods of teaching.

Laurie Richlin, Ph.D., the University's director of faculty development, was one of the facilitators during the workshop. She also is president of the International Alliance of Teacher Scholars, which sponsored the program.

"I am excited about working with Dr. Richlin in implementing a Faculty Learning Community at CDU," Mrs. Parker-Kelly said.

She said she intends to have a program, focusing on emerging technology, in place by the fall.

Darlene Parker-Kelly receiving her certificate (left), and posing with other members of her group (right).

News in Brief

Looking Ahead to "Unity Day"

In celebration of the University's good accreditation news, the 1st Annual Unity Day has been set for Aug. 27 from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. The event, filled with food, fun and games for children and adults, is designed to bring together the University's staff, faculty, students, alumni, family and friends. Lunch will be provided, but feel free to bring a favorite dish to share, or enter the a bake-off competition. The gathering will take place at El Dorado Park, 2760 Studebaker Rd., Long Beach, 90815. (Enter through the park's west side entrance.) If you would like to be a volunteer, please contact bettybennett@cdrewu.edu. Please make reservations by Aug. 24 by sending an email to cdualumniassociation@cdrewu.edu or by calling 323-563-5827.

Summer Lecture Series Continues

Ka'imi A. Sinclair, Ph.D., MPH of the University of Hawai'i at Manoa will speak Tues., Aug. 9 during the summer lecture series. His talk, presented by the University's MedGis Lab is titled, "Neighborhood Characteristics and Diabetes Incidence in the Hawai'i Multiethnic Cohort Study." The discussion runs from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. and will be held in the Augustus Hawkins Building, 1720 E. 120th St., Room 3071. Refreshments will be served. Please contact Cambria Broadway by phone 310-761-4703 or by email cambriabroadway@cdrewu.edu for more information.

A Challenge for High School Students

The College of Science and Health is accepting applications for the upcoming pre-college enrichment program called College Bound Prep Plus, starting in September. Applications are due Mon., Aug. 1.

"Good News Radio Magazine," created by CDU's Division of Community Engagement, can be heard Wednesdays beginning at 1 p.m. on KTYM 1460-AM. Co-hosted by Nell Forge, Ph.D. and Charles McWells through the university's Division of Community Engagement, the program is designed to promote holistic health and research outcomes. The program also can be heard on the internet at www.ktym.com.

Become a Mission Maker Today

The Mission Maker campaign has raised just over half of its $50,000 goal. If you would like to donate to the campaign, which supports the university, its mission and its students, then please contact Blanch Ross. She can be reached at 323-563-4992, or at blanchross@cdrewu.edu.

Charles Drew University is a private, nonprofit, nonsectarian, minority-serving medical and health sciences institution. Located in the Watts-Willowbrook area of South Los Angeles, Charles Drew University has graduated more than 550 medical doctors, 2,500 post-graduate physicians, more than 2,000 physician assistants and hundreds of other health professionals.The only dually designated Historically Black Graduate Institution and Hispanic Serving Health Professions School in the U.S., CDU is recognized as a leader in translational and health inequities research. Recently, the CDU/UCLA medical program was named “best performer” in the University of California System with respect to producing outstanding underrepresented minority physicians, according to the Greenlining Institute.